The Earls chain of restaurants is dropping the word albino from its Albino Rhino beer following a human rights complaint.
The popular brand was created 25 years ago and named after the white rhinoceros.
For two people with albinism in Vancouver, the use of albino is an insult.
Earl’s officials say they did not believe the term was discriminatory, but learned, through the human rights complaint process, that people with albinism are genuinely offended.
Albinism is a rare genetic condition where the body does not produce or distribute melanin, the substance that gives colour to skin, the iris of the eyes, and hair.
The woman who complained to the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal says having Albino Rhino on the Earl’s menu is demeaning and humiliating and it has an adverse impact on persons with albinism.
CTV Calgary asked people outside the Earls location on 4 St. S.W. about changing the name of the beer and most believed the removal of the term was an example of political correctness gone too far.
Earls says it plans to remove Albino Rhino from its menu by April 24, 2013. The company has not announced what the new name for the beer will be.
